From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Semi-opera is an early form of opera, though the term 'dramatic[k] opera' is more favoured amongst scholars. It developed in England between 1673 and 1710 and is associated with the operas of Henry Purcell, notably King Arthur and The Fairy-Queen.
Semi-operas were performed with singing, speaking and dancing roles. When music was written, it was usually for moments in the play immediately following either love scenes or those concerning the supernatural. It was not an exclusively English genre. Semi-operas were also performed in Spain.
